Sep 3 2010
Intergraph® has introduced the newest module to its industry leading SmartPlant® Enterprise engineering solutions suite to enable engineering, procurement and construction companies (EPCs) to more easily manage plant design project subcontractors.
The SmartPlant Materials Subcontractor Management module was developed jointly with CH2M HILL, a global full service consulting, design, construction, and operations firm. The module is an available extension of Intergraph's SmartPlant Materials management solution that creates a completely Web-based common collaboration platform for all companies involved in EPC project delivery.
Directors of today's multi-billion-dollar mega projects must manage cost overruns, schedule delays and safety issues which can be exacerbated by subcontracts typically making up 30- to 40-percent of a project's cost. Managing these challenges from the beginning is of utmost importance in maintaining project schedules and budgets.
CH2M HILL, an existing Intergraph customer, uses SmartPlant Materials as an integrated system for materials and subcontracts management. Intergraph's integrated eSupplier portal has been expanded significantly to allow suppliers and subcontractors to register with CH2M HILL. Once registered, the suppliers can receive inquiries and agreements, submit real-time information relating to quotations and agreements, and facilitate change management and day-to-day reporting, as well as maintain progress measurement and invoicing for subcontracts. Because many of the front-end processes are similar for both materials and subcontract management, the new functionality for subcontracts strategy, planning, requisitions, inquiries and agreements has been completely integrated into the existing modules.
"When we first started examining our subcontract management process, it was extremely important that the system we selected be an industry standard that met all of the requirements for subcontract management and also that it be maintained and supported in the future," said Bob DeLong, director of materials management for CH2M HILL. "Intergraph's SmartPlant Materials met these requirements, and the subcontract management module incorporates the needed functionality to help us oversee subcontracts on multiple projects."
Patrick Holcomb, Intergraph Process, Power & Marine executive vice president, said, "Our ongoing development and creation of the subcontract management module reflects Intergraph's commitment to its customers and maintaining its industry leadership position. By listening to and working with CH2M HILL, we have developed a highly efficient tool for managing subcontracts, ultimately saving clients time and money and providing them a competitive edge."
SmartPlant Enterprise is an integrated solutions suite that provides full design, construction, materials and engineering data management capabilities needed for the creation, safe operation and maintenance, and capital Project Life Cycle Management (cPLM) of large-scale process, power, marine and offshore projects. The software's life cycle data management also enables a smoother handover for EPCs to owner operators and for owner operators to more easily maintain, refurbish or modify their plants.